A COmputational Modelling platform for Epithelial DYnamics to explore the role of epithelial­-mesenchymal transition and stemness acquisition in cancer recurrence (CoMEDy)

For most cancers, which stem from epithelial cells, tumour recurrence and metastasis are the major causes of mortality. Albeit extensive research, these processes are still not well understood. However, recent studies point towards the necessity to take into account intra­tumour heterogeneity to design effective therapies.
This proposal relies upon the premise that computational models combining both cellular and micro­environment levels are required to tackle our main goal: to clarify, in the context of carcinomas, the emergence of EMT and CSCs as well as their relationship.
CoMEDy, the computational platform to be developed, will be useful to tackle the modelling of other biological processes that require the consideration of detailed intra­cellular networks and of cell interactions with the micro­environment. The logical model of a comprehensive regulatory network of EMT and stemness, together with its integration in the microenvironment context, will provide new insights into mechanisms of cancer progression. Among the model predictions, those confirmed by our in vitro experiments, should serve as valuable guides to innovative cancer therapies.